Surgery Helps Prevent Amputations

SEPTEMBER 01, 2005

Timely surgery may lower the risk of amputation
of the foot or lower leg in diabetic patients.
When osteomyelitis (bone inflammation) occurs
in the foot and toes, surgery to remove dead
areas and to restore circulation can prevent more
extensive amputations, according to a study reported
in the Annals of Surgery (June 2005).

In a study of 237 participants with diabetes
and nonhealing foot or toe ulcers, the limb in
question was saved in 80% of the cases. The
researchers also pointed out that reconstruction
of the blood supply enhanced the chances of
wound healing 3-fold. Patients treated with surgery,
compared with medical therapy, needed
fewer home health services.